Mount Vernon Woods Park is getting an arena for skateboarding.
The Fairfax County Park Authority will discuss and present the design concept for the proposed skate park at a virtual meeting this Thursday (Sept. 26) at 7 p.m.
The skate park will be part of a second phase of renovations at the neighborhood park (4014 Fielding Street). Active construction began on June 10 for the first phase, which included a new parking lot, shelter, playground, fitness area, multi-sport court and soccer field.
Spohn Ranch is the contractor for the skate park and will present its preliminary design concept at the meeting. The Los Angeles-based company specializes in skate park design and construction and has worked in more than 40 states and 15 countries.
The design concept shows a number of elements proposed by Spohn Ranch, including:
- One major access point
- Spectator seating
- An intermediate to advanced kidney bowl
- Quarter pipe
- A beginner horseshoe pipe
- Pyramid hip and grind ledge
- A-frame and grind rail
- Stairs, grind rail and hubba ledge
- Pump hump
- Grind ledge
- Landscape buffer zone
- Guard rail
Spohn Ranch also proposed a guard rail along two of the sides of the skate park and “landscape buffer zones” along the other sides.
“Since the skatepark footprint is enclosed by pedestrian sidewalks on all four sides, it will be critically important to design a solution that protects pedestrians from flying and runaway skateboards,” the design proposal states. “Completely enclosing the skatepark with fencing all the way around is one solution, but it would create a ‘cage-like’ feeling and limit visibility into the space. Incorporating greenery softens up the space aesthetically, while simultaneously creating opportunity for stormwater runoff. It’s a win-win.”
In addition, Spohn Ranch has proposed an anti-graffiti coating around the entirety of the skate park structure.
“The anti-graffiti coating was suggested in the scope of work as a potential maintenance benefit,” Fairfax County Park Authority Public Information Officer Ben Boxer said. “Not all contractors provide for this component and it was not a requirement in terms of the proposals being submitted for the project.”
Following the meeting, a survey will be made available for additional feedback on the design proposal. A revised plan is expected in November, and there will be another 30-day comment period on that design.
“The purpose of the public meeting and subsequent survey is to generate public feedback on the proposals and gauge interest surrounding potential components,” Boxer said. “The design scope will be approved by the Fairfax County Park Authority Board prior to proceeding with construction.”
Skate park construction is expected to begin in fall 2025.
